Gus Irfan: Enough Praise, Time to Evaluate the 2026 Hajj Implementation

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf has stressed that he does not want to be lulled by the various appreciations received for the organisation of the 1447 Hijri/2026 CE Hajj pilgrimage. He stated that the National Working Meeting (Rakernas) evaluating the Hajj implementation is a crucial moment to dissect all shortcomings, aiming to improve services for Indonesian pilgrims in the coming season.

Gus Irfan, as he is affectionately known, said the praise given to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah serves as encouragement. However, he believes evaluation is far more important as a basis for making comprehensive improvements.

‘Enough with the praise, enough with the appreciation. Today we begin the evaluation. Praise is a morale booster, appreciation is a vitamin for us, but evaluation remains the primary need,’ Gus Irfan said after the opening ceremony of the Rakernas for the Evaluation of the 1447 H/2026 M Hajj Implementation in Jakarta on Saturday (4/7/2026).

According to Gus Irfan, several aspects are of primary concern in the evaluation, ranging from the health of pilgrims, services in Mina, to the hajj financing scheme amidst rising service costs.

In the health sector, he appreciated the government’s success in reducing the mortality rate of pilgrims this season. However, he considered this achievement still unsatisfactory.

‘We have managed to reduce the death rate, but it is still not enough. We hope that next year the number can be around 200, and hopefully we can reduce it even further,’ he said.